Warming

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

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Spencer held Lucille’s hand as they entered the courtyard. They walked along a long corridor before coming to a suite with a redwood plaque above the entrance. The words “Tranquility Court” were carved

on it.

Spencer explained, “This is where Grandpa stays. There are three suites in Layton Manor. My parents and brother live in one of the others, while the last is mine.”

Lucille understood now. She asked curiously, “What are the other two called?”

“Harmony Court and Serenity Court,” Spencer answered.

“They sound so peaceful and poetic,” she said.

“Yeah.”

She liked the names. As they entered Tranquility Court, they were greeted by an abundance of flora. They provided a soothing view.

The butler and a few maids stood in the courtyard. When they saw Spencer and Lucille, the butler called,” Mr. Spencer is back!”

“This is Arthur Hall, the butler. Hi, Arthur,” Spencer said as he looked at Arthur.

Lucille greeted, “It’s nice to meet you, Arthur.”

Arthur beamed and nodded vigorously. “Oh, the pleasure is mine. Mr. Layton Senior has been looking forward to your arrival since this morning, Madam Lucille. He’ll be delighted to see you.”

Then, he led Spencer and Lucille into the main hall.

Layton Manor had been designed in a rather traditional style, and the furniture was mostly made from redwood. Everything was designed in a classical style, and it gave one the feeling of having been transported back in time.

The arrangement of the furniture, coupled with the decorative pieces and paintings, made for an elegant and tasteful home.

An old man who looked to be quite spirited sat on the main seat in the living room. It was James. He was well–respected in Whiteloop City. The Layton family had its roots in Whiteloop City and had lasted for a

century.

It had a strong foundation and many branch families, but only descendants of the main family could enter and leave Layton Manor as and when they wished.

James was 75 years old this year but still looked to be in good health. He sat there with his back straight and smiled broadly as he looked at Spencer and Lucille.

Spencer was the first to speak. “Grandpa.”

Lucille was right behind him. “I’m sorry for taking so long to come see you, Grandpa.”

She was incredibly nervous right now, but she couldn’t show it. She could only feign calmness.

James immediately noticed their interlaced hands and was pleased. He nodded fervently and looked at

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Chapter 35

Lucille warmly. “You don’t have to be so polite with me, Lucy. You’re the one losing out by being with this icy little brat.”

She glanced at Spencer. He was rather icy, but he was always gentle and considerate toward her. She smiled and said, “Spencer treats me very well, Grandpa. I’m not losing out at all.”

James was relieved to see Lucille standing up for Spencer. He knew Spencer too well–the latter was already 28 years old, yet he’d never dated anyone.

He looked so icy and aloof all the time, so James was surprised that Lucille had changed him.

At the same time, he was also pleased. At least he didn’t have to worry about Spencer dying alone in the future.

He could still remember how reluctant Spencer had been when he’d set him up on the blind date back

then.

Spencer had only agreed to go on the date after James had mentioned Lucille’s name; they’d even gotten married so soon after that!

It had happened so quickly that it had taken James some time to process the whole thing. Spencer hadn’t been interested in any of the other women James had tried to set him up on blind dates with. So, he had not expected Spencer’s target to be Lucille.

If James had known things would turn out like this, he would’ve contacted Marie ages ago. Perhaps he would already have great–grandchildren by now!

He pretended not to believe Lucille. ‘Is that so?”

She laughed. “It’s true, Grandpa. He even cooked for me! Don’t you think he treats me well enough?” James and Arthur were stunned by her words. Lucille wondered whether she’d said the wrong thing.

To her surprise, James turned to stare at Spencer, who hadn’t said anything thus far. “You know how to cook?”

Spencer pinched Lucille’s palm lightly before looking at James and grunting in acknowledgment.

Just then, a female voice rang out from behind. “When did you learn how to cook? Why have I never known about this? Why haven’t you ever cooked for me?”